One of the things people search for most often on our website is info about maps. And we know joining the dots between safe cycleways, quiet streets, and new on-road bike lanes can be a challenge, especially when existing maps are contradictory and not always up-to-date. So we asked Bike Auckland stalwart (and self-proclaimed ‘resident map geek’) Daniel Cranston – who has spent the last few months creating his own AKLcyclemap – for a round-up of what’s out there…
Riding a bike is something done for a very diverse range of reasons, not to mention the diversity in confidence and skill levels. Personally, I ride a bike mainly to get around, with the odd exploration adventure thrown in. I probably fit into the confident end of “Enthused and Confident” on Portland bike guru Roger Geller’s famous scale:
So, when it comes to biking round Auckland, what kind of maps are out there, and what kind of cycling are they useful for?
Auckland Transport has a page for walking and cycling maps where they’ve highlighted a number of easy, off-road walking/cycling routes. These are a mixed bag of transportation and scenic routes. Ten of these are promoted as “Great Rides”, along with accompanying “Great Rides Passports” to guide you along the route.
I find AT’s “Getting Around Auckland” maps useful – you can find them on AT’s walking/cycling page – scroll down to “Auckland cycle maps” – or in print at your local bike shop or transit hub. Alternatively, you can request the printed maps be posted to you. [Ed note: we send a batch out to all new members :-)]
Meanwhile, #AKLcyclemap is my own map project that builds on AT’s “Getting Around Auckland” maps. It is a group of layers on top of Google Maps that shows bike infrastructure and aims to provide a series of “Recommended Routes” for less confident cyclists to get around Auckland. If you have suggestions for good routes or quiet streets in your part of the map, do let me know.
For those into cycling for fitness, the Strava Global heatmap shows how often roads and paths are used by people on the Strava app. Interestingly, this also shows up mountain bike trails as well as roads.
NZByBike has a few suggestions for mountain bike rides around Auckland, some of which have attached maps.
Bike Friendly North Shore also has a few family-friendly suggestions for A-to-A cycling (and not just on the North Shore!)
Open Cycle Map, based on data from OpenStreetMap, includes some good data on walkways and cycle paths, but is a little “optimistic” with some routes, e.g. here it shows the yet-unconstructed Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive path shown as a part of the local cycle network.
Albert-Eden Local Board released a pair of local walking/cycling maps in 2013, for the east and west of the area. Like Auckland Transport’s maps, they are a little out of date, though they are very detailed.
The Kennett Brothers have a number of great books, including one about NZ cycle trails, and another (their latest) on short, easy bike rides across the country, suitable for grandparents and grandchildren, which includes 4 rides in Auckland itself.
For those interested in cycle touring, especially further afield, the New Zealand Cycle Trail / Nga Haerenga website has some useful maps.
I’m sure there’s much more out there that I’ve missed – feel free to add more information in the comments!
–Daniel Cranston
